biostat phd eval

[alex9022]

Hi all,
I'm an undergraduate student right now and I'd really appreciate if anyone could provide ideas on some biostat phd programs that would be good for me.

 

Undergraduate School: University of Washington
Major: Mathematics and Statistics

GPA: 3.79 overall; 3.94 for math and 3.83 for stat

GRE: 168 Quant, 150 Verbal (this is my main concern)
Recommendation letters: 1 from a math professor, 1 from a stat professor, 1 from a biostat professor
Research: currently working on a project with a professor from biostat department
 

Thanks a lot!

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[33andathirdRPM]

Your verbal score shouldn't hold you back from anything. Are you planning on taking the math subject GRE also?

[alex9022]

Your verbal score shouldn't hold you back from anything. Are you planning on taking the math subject GRE also?

 

Thanks!

Actually, I don't think I'll have time to prepare the subject GRE, perhaps I should take the general test again.

[33andathirdRPM]

Again, your QR score is fine and your VR score shouldn't keep you out of anywhere. Was your AW score above 4? I don't see how retaking the general GRE would benefit you greatly.

[cyberwulf]

Yeah, the verbal GRE score really isn't a big deal. If you're a U.S. citizen, you'll be competitive for PhD admission at every program in the country. If not, Harvard/Hopkins could be tough to crack but I'm guessing you're still pretty much a lock at UW and are in a very good position for everywhere else.

[Igotnothin]

Yeah, the verbal GRE score really isn't a big deal. If you're a U.S. citizen, you'll be competitive for PhD admission at every program in the country. If not, Harvard/Hopkins could be tough to crack but I'm guessing you're still pretty much a lock at UW and are in a very good position for everywhere else.

 

I think the OP is in good shape too but not quite this good. Are you basing this on having a Math & Stats degree from UW? GPA of 3.79 is good but not great, so I wonder if the poster might blend in among the other apps. Then again the research project in biostats is a great way to get noticed.

 

I guess I basically agree with cyberwulf in that you have a good shot at top programs, and definitely at UW. Just remember there might be 500 applicants to UW and Harvard, so you need to have great credentials and put together a solid application. Good luck!

[cyberwulf]

When I say someone is "competitive for PhD admission", I mean they are a strong candidate who will be given serious consideration. Of course, not all strong, seriously considered candidates are ultimately offered admission but many are. I stand by my evaluation of the OP's chances; while their overall GPA is 3.8, their math/stat GPA is ~3.9, which is a very strong record coming from a major state university like UW. 

[biostat_prof]

I'm not quite as optimistic as cyberwulf. If you have three rock-solid recommendations, sure, but it may be tougher if your recommenders don't know you as well. One way or another your chances at admission to a top-ranked department are good, but I would add some "safeties" (at the point where such a thing exists in PhD admissions) if you aren't sure how enthusiastic your recommenders will be.